Fuel Saving Stint Pays Off with Fourth Place Finish for Thompson and Vasser Sullivan at Detroit GP

DETROIT, MICHIGAN

An early pit stop and an extended race-closing stint for Parker Thompson yielded impressive results for Vasser Sullivan in a GTD PRO weekend at the Detroit Grand Prix. Driving the No. 15 SealMaster liveried Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3, Thompson and teammate Frankie Montecalvo showcased great performance in Saturday afternoon’s race, driving through the field from a 10th place starting position to finish fourth on the unforgiving Detroit street circuit.

With their regular GTD class not in action, Thompson and Montecalvo made their debut in the GTD PRO category, piloting the No. 15 entry alongside Vasser Sullivan teammates Ben Barnicoat and Jack Hawksworth in the No. 14 machine. Montecalvo, who qualified tenth, made an impressive start, moving up three positions on the opening lap to seventh. He then handed the reins over to Thompson just after completing the minimum required driving time of ten minutes. The team took a calculated risk with an early pit stop, requiring Thompson to manage the remaining 89 minutes without making another stop. Benefitting from four caution periods, Thompson demonstrated exceptional patience and performance, advancing through the field to finish fourth.

Reflecting on the race, Parker Thompson said, “We’re in Detroit, there are lots of casinos here so why not take a gamble and see what happens. Huge hats off to Colin Mason and Chris Andrews. These guys have been really good on the box. They just needed one to fall their way. An excellent strategy, pit stop, and great execution from what is normally the 12 team worked out great for us here this weekend. I’m so glad to see my Vasser Sullivan boys get this result. They’ve deserved this better at every stop so far this season. Because this was a one-off entry into GTD PRO, this isn’t a points weekend for us, but it does give us some great momentum rolling into Watkins Glen, a place where we know our Lexus RC F GT3 is fast.”

In three weeks time at Watkins Glen, Thompson will return to his regular position behind the wheel of the No. 12 SealMaster Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 in the GTD Class. As an endurance round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, he will be joined by both Montecalvo and Telitz as the trio look to defend their 2023 win at the famed Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, June 21-23.

UPCOMING IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Motul Course de Monterey – May 12
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix – June 1
Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen – June 23
Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park – July 14
IMSA Sportscar Weekend at Road America – August 4
Michelin GT Challenge at VIR – August 25
Tirerack.com Battle on the Bricks at IMS – September 22
Motul Petit Le Mans – October 12

For more details and broadcast information, visit imsa.com.